Light Pollution

Light Pollution in Norfolk

Norfolk is one of England’s most rural counties and its dark landscapes and dark skies are a defining part of its rural character, deserving protection. Yet this special quality is under threat. Light pollution is caused by poorly designed or unnecessary light shining wastefully where it is not needed… and it is increasing.

A series of star count surveys carried out by CPRE, together with the Campaign for Dark Skies has shown that light pollution is spreading across the county and fewer and fewer areas in Norfolk can be considered truly ‘dark’. This increase in light pollution results from an acceleration in the rate of development and a proliferation of security lighting. View this year’s Star Count survey results to see how light pollution is affecting your area.

What CPRE Norfolk is Doing

CPRE Norfolk actively campaigns to reduce light pollution in the Norfolk countryside. We work with planners, councils, architects, Norfolk Constabulary, the Highways Agency, lighting engineers, businesses and householders to ensure they are aware of the problems caused by unnecessary, inappropriate and excessive lighting and, by applying our recommendations, know how to take steps to address these problems.

Conference

In June 2015, CPRE Norfolk held a Light Pollution Conference at the University of East Anglia. The conference was attended by lighting engineers, lighting manufacturers, astronomers, policy makers, landscape specialists, Norfolk Constabulary, as well as representatives from parish, district and county councils. Bob Mizon from the British Astronomical Association’s Campaign for Dark Skies gave the keynote speech and an afternoon panel of local lighting decision makers debated issues around crime, lighting design, part-night switch offs, developments in LED technology and parish council initiatives. Presentations from the main speakers are below.

The Views Of Parish Councils

Early in 2015, CPRE Norfolk conducted a comprehensive survey of parish and town councils in Norfolk, to establish their views on street lighting and light pollution in the countryside. The survey results found that: – the majority of parish and town councils were concerned about levels of light pollution in Norfolk – security lighting, floodlighting and lighting from industry, farms, schools, pubs and garages were all identified as causing light pollution in the countryside – many parish and town councils were making regular recommendations on lighting when responding to planning applications, often using our Standard Light Pollution Clause (see below)

Planning Guidance

There are a number of policies in place, nationally and locally, that limit the impact of outdoor lighting on the environment. A key document in Norfolk is the Norfolk County Council’s adopted Environmental Lighting Zones policy and maps. This was proposed in 2002 and adopted by the Council in March 2003. CPRE Norfolk has its own ‘Standard Light Pollution Clause’ that it inserts into every planning application response it makes and many parish and town councils in Norfolk have also adopted this approach.

How You Can Help Limit Light Pollution

We recommend that:

– All outdoor lights are fully shielded (enclosed in ‘full cut-off flat glass’ fitments so that no glass is visible beneath the lamp’s cover) and directed downwards (mounted horizontally to the ground and not tilted upwards).

– Outdoor lights are switched on only when needed (avoid ‘dusk to dawn’ lamps and use ‘PIR’ movement sensor lights or time switches instead).

– White light low-energy lamps are used (LED or fluorescent). Avoid orange or pink sodium lights which have an urbanising effect and are less energy efficient.

– Outdoor lights are only installed if really needed (the best way to prevent light pollution is to avoid the use of any outdoor lights).